The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is a Los Angeles institution. First opened in 1992—the same day the Rodney King verdict was announced—JANM is dedicated to honoring Japanese-American history. As a pillar of the community, JANM is known for its educational programs aimed at teaching students and teachers alike about the incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans in 1942 in the U.S. during World War II.
Unfortunately, like many museums across the country, JANM has recently been targeted by the Trump administration. After receiving a letter saying that their programs do not align with the current administration’s goals, their funding was cut by $1.7 million (with an additional $5 million still in limbo).
We spoke with Bill Fujioka, the chair of JANM’s Board of Trustees and former CEO of Los Angeles County. He spoke about the recent cuts to federal funding, what differentiates the museum from others, and JANM’s ongoing mission to speak out against injustice.
L.A. TACO: Before we get started, can you tell me a little bit about JANM?
Bill Fujioka: The Japanese American National Museum opened in 1992. The primary mission was to preserve the stories of the Japanese-American community, starting with immigration in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s. In addition to preserving the story, we feel it’s critical to retell the story, and I used to tell people that was with the hope that what happened to the [Japanese-American community] in 1942 never happens again. But, unfortunately, with current events, it is happening again.